Long's Shotokan Karate Academy

It’s my strongly held belief a man ought to have the ability to protect himself and his family. Not only that, it’s a man’s responsibility to teach their sons to embrace this concept and to teach them the skills they need to handle themselves. I found myself where my sons interests, didn’t necessarily intersect with mine. Luckily we came to know Mark Long and his excellent Black Belts such as Gerald Barnes. They had the words to inspire my sons to embrace the concepts I admire. Many of the admirable qualities I enjoy in my sons I credit to Longs Shotokan. I have eight grandchildren I hope they all spend quality time with Mark and his people. I give Long’s Shotokan five stars because that the most I’m allowed to give.

Sensei Mark Long has been a fantastic mentor to my son, and family. His program is designed for all ages, he makes everyone feel included and welcome He teaches life lessons, as well as the karate skills his dojo offers. I dont trust many people with our son, but I trust Sensei Mark to the fullest. Thanks for all you have done, and continue to do.

My Pastor Nick Nichols convinced me to have my 3 children join Long’s Shotokan Karate. About 3 weeks ago my children joined Long’s karate, I’ve seen a change on them they have learn respect, discipline, confidence, to be focus and I am very grateful for Sensei Mark Long to what he teaches to my kids. My 3 kids have the white belt already Yeah!

My family has been going to Long’s Shotokan Academy since January 2023. It has been life changing. Sensei Long has helped my kids show respect towards their peers and adults in their life. He has also helped us learn self defense. All of his classes are a workout while learning different skills. We love going to the dojo every class!!

Updated review: We started coming here in 2019, and it has continued to be an amazing place for my kids. Although two of them ultimately decided to stop (but I hope it's just a break!), one of my sons has continued. It's been such a joy watching him become more confident with himself because of what he learns here. Yes, he learns karate (and judo, jujitsu, aikido, weapons, etc), but the best lessons are the ones where he learns about personal responsibility, confidence, teamwork, standing up for himself, and respect. Sensei Long has high standards for his students, and the higher their rank, the more he expects from them. My son went from only talking to people while standing behind me, to looking people in the eyes while shaking their hands, greeting newcomers, leading classes, teaching others, and volunteering. I couldn't be happier with the lessons he's learned coming here. It's been hard at times to watch him struggle through physically difficult things, or making mistakes, or just doing drills under pressure, but there is a purpose in the pain! Despite how challenging it has been at times, I'm pretty sure my son would live at the dojo if I would let him. ****************************** Coming to this dojo was one of the best decisions my family has made. My boys had been in karate for a few years. We were going to another school in Blue Springs and started having some unpleasant experiences. My oldest son, who had loved karate and had been really dedicated, began to feel defeated and asked to quit. I found Long's website and emailed Sensei Long some questions. He was incredibly responsive and welcoming and he told us to come in and try some classes. My son was scared and sure it wouldn't be better but it was amazing. Sensei Long takes a personal interest in each student and family, making a point to talk to each of us frequently. He makes a great environment for children, making them each feel welcome. One of my sons stopped taking classes at our old school and he's only sporadically interested here but Sensei Long talks to him frequently and always asks about him by name. Financially, this school is a much better value than where we were going which we paid for each child each class. Here we pay a flat, monthly fee and they can take as many classes as they want. They also have aikido and judo/jujitsu classes among others so they get a variety of martial arts training. Also, Sensei Long himself teaches the karate classes which impressed me a lot. Other places have students, frequently with much lower belt ranks teaching. I feel like that's another way we get our money's worth here. I honestly cannot say enough good things about Long's Shotokan or Sensei Long and his other instructors and the impact on our family. I fully expect to be here for years to come. 2.5 years later and we still love this place!